Customs Information

Bolivia - All

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED Bolivia

  • B/L or AWB
  • MIC / CRT
  • Packing List
  • Commercial Invoice
  • NIT – Tax Identification Number
  • Fundempresa Register
  • Import Register at Bolivian Customs
  • A Permission or Certificate for furniture before departing from origin country. Wood furniture items will be seized without this.
  • Tax exemption (diplomats)
  • Accreditation from the Chancellor (diplomats)

Specific Information:

  • The destination agent must receive all documentation prior to arrival of the shipment.
  • The owner of the goods or owner of the goods’ legal representative must be present for Customs clearance (repatriating citizens).
  • Shipments valued up to USD 35,000 for non-citizens and repatriating citizens are exempt from Customs duties and taxes.
  • To be selected as a Bolivian citizen or foreigner able to import with the Tax exemption, besides to have all documents required . the citizen or foreigner must be lived abroad for two (2) years before his arrival to Bolivia.
  • Returning citizens must have lived abroad for at least 2 years, without entry for the 30 days prior to shipment arrival, in order for goods to clear customs and qualify for free import.
  • For returning citizens, an exemption from the payment of customs tax may be granted one time per family if the shipment arrives no more than 1 month prior and less than 4 months after the owner of the goods’ arrival.
  • Each of all his visits to Bolivia (in those two years), could not be more than 90 days.
  • The HHGDS Arrival to Bolivia has to be one month before / or six months after consignee arrival to Bolivia.
  • If consignee does not fulfill documents required and procedures by Bolivian Customs, he must pay import taxes which are calculated between 50 and 55% CIF value. In this type of import it is totally prohibit any kind of textiles: shoes, linen, clothes, curtains, rugs, teddy bears, towels, hand bags, mattress, and backpacks. Therefore they will be confiscated by Bolivian Customs.
    • Under Regime to Consumption(with import taxes payment) the importation of used textiles is prohibited.
    • Under Regime to consumption(with import taxes payment) the importation of furnitures new or used need to get a permission or Certificate before cargo departed from origin country.
    • If it can be proven that the furniture being imported has been manufactured or purchased in Bolivia, only a tax would apply on the import of the furniture goods.
  • Customs clearance takes approximately 20-25 days for repatriating citizens and 7-10 days for diplomatic shipments.
    • For returning citizens – Bolivian Affidavit
    • Most wood packing materials / products must comply with ISPM-15 guidelines and be clearly marked in a visible location on at least two opposite sides of the item in permanent, black ink. 
      • A seal certifying the shipment has been treated through methyl bromide (MB) or heat must be present.
      • If evidence of treatment cannot be found, the shipment will be returned to the country of origin at the owner of the goods’ / agent’s expense.
      • Contact the destination agent for exceptions to this requirement.

    MOTOR VEHICLES

    • CUSTOMER'S PRESENCE IS REQUIRED FOR CUSTOMS CLEARANCE
    • Taxes and duties apply
    • Authorization MUST be obtained prior to shipping from SGS or Inspectorate for vehicles of F.O.B. value over $12,000
    • Vehicle must have original steering wheel on left side
    • Vehicle must be no more than 4 years old
    • Diesel powered vehicles cannon exceed 4000 CC (4.0 L)
    • Documents required:
    • Commercial Invoice
    • Certificate of driving conditions, proving that the vehicle is in good condition
    • Insurance Policy (original and two copies)
    • Certificate of Origin
    • Verifying Certificate (for non-diplomatic vehicle shipments)
    • Description of car (make, year, model, etc.)
    • Title
    • Registration

    PETS

    • Health Certificate and inoculation required
    • The import of pets is subject to a payment of 12% duties in addition to the cost, insurance, freight (CIF) value for non-commercial shipments.
    • Diplomats may import pets duty free.

    LIQUOR

    • Diplomats may import alcohol duty free.
    • A commercial invoice, original bill of lading / air waybill / surface freight bills, and certificate of origin are required for the import of alcohol.
      • A pro-forma is required if the free on board (FOB) value exceeds USD 1,000.
    • Alcohol for private and personal use is subject to a payment of approximately 42% over the cost, insurance, freight (CIF) value.
    • Imports exceeding USD 1,000 require the intervention of other agencies and the presentation of the pro-forma invoice / commercial invoice to verify the shipment; contact the destination agent for specific details.

    DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS

    • Potential contaminants (items deemed a potential contaminates to the environment are subject to inspection upon arrival, such as refrigerators, vehicles, all equipment which has AC, etc.)
    • Diplomatic imports are duty free; however, diplomats must pay duties on the import or firearms and ammunition.
    • Industrial machinery / equipment require authorization
    • Firearms and ammunition (a special permit is required)
    • The following items imported for private or personal use by non-diplomats are subject to the approximate payment of duties as identified below:
      • Medicines                                                                    32% over CIF value
      • Carpets                                                                       42% over CIF value
      • Plants                                                                         32% over CIF value
      • Food items                                                                   42% over CIF value
      • Gifts and souvenirs                                                         32% over CIF value
      • Precious metals (jewelry, coins, etc.)                                  32% over CIF value
      • Appliances, machinery/tools, etc.                                       32% over CIF value
      • Inheritances                                                                  32% over CIF value
      • New furniture and household goods                                     42% over CIF value
      • Antiques and works of art                                                 32% over CIF value
      • Electrical items (televisions, personal computers, printers, etc.) 42% over CIF value

    PROHIBITED ITEMS

    • Narcotics and drugs
    • Explosives
    • Pornographic materials
    • Refrigerators (check with agent for specific models prohibited for import)
    • Textiles are prohibited (shoes, rugs, etc.) for returning citizens.